Reducing power consumption of refrigerated display case with electronic door display

This invention relates to thermally insulated doors for temperature-controlled display cases.

Refrigerated display cases are used in commercial, institutional, and residential applications for storing and/or displaying refrigerated or frozen objects. Refrigerated display cases may be maintained at temperatures above freezing (e.g., a refrigerator) or at temperatures below freezing (e.g., a freezer). Refrigerated display cases have one or more thermally insulated doors or windows for viewing and accessing refrigerated or frozen objects within a temperature-controlled space. Doors for refrigerated display cases generally include thermally insulated glass panel assemblies. Displaying content on refrigerated display case doors can be an effective way of advertising products. Refrigerated display case doors with embedded display panels consume electrical power.

The present disclosure relates to reducing power consumption of a refrigerated display case with an electronic door display. The display case door includes electrical components such as an electronic display, a heating assembly, a camera, and lighting. The amount of power consumed by the electrical components can be reduced by reducing the amount of time that the electrical components are on and/or by switching the electrical components to a reduced power mode.

Implementations of the present disclosure include a refrigerated display case, including: a movable door configured to provide access to the refrigerated display case; an electronic display mounted to the movable door; a sensor configured to indicate one or more positions of the movable door; at least one processor in electronic communication with the sensor and the electronic display; and a data store coupled to the at least one processor having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform operations including: receiving, from the sensor, data indicating a position of the movable door; and in response to receiving the data indicating the position of the movable door, adjusting a power setting of the electronic display.

In some implementations, adjusting the power setting of the electronic display includes turning the electronic display off or on.

In some implementations, the refrigerated display case includes a circuitry module including a media player in electronic communication with the electronic display, the media player configured to control media content presented on the electronic display.

In some implementations, adjusting the power setting of the electronic display includes transmitting an instruction to the circuitry module to present no content on the electronic display.

In some implementations, the refrigerated display case includes a light configured to illuminate an interior of the refrigerated display case, the operations including: in response to receiving the data indicating the position of the movable door, adjusting a power setting of the light.

In some implementations, adjusting the power setting of the light includes turning the light off or on.

In some implementations, the data indicating the position of the movable door includes data indicating that the movable door is shut; and adjusting the power setting of the light includes turning the light off after a delay period.

In some implementations, the refrigerated display case includes a heater configured to provide heat to at least a part of the refrigerated display case, the operations including: in response to receiving the data indicating the position of the movable door, adjusting a power setting of the heater.

In some implementations, adjusting the power setting of the heater includes turning the heater off or on.

In some implementations, the heater includes an anti-condensation heater configured to provide heat to the movable door.

In some implementations, the data indicating the position of the movable door includes data indicating that the movable door is open or shut.

In some implementations, the data indicating the position of the movable door includes data indicating that the movable door has been open for at least a threshold time duration.

In some implementations, the data indicating the position of the movable door includes data indicating a swing angle of the movable door.

In some implementations, an internal volume of the refrigerated display case holds an inventory, and the electronic display is configured to present a planogram representing the inventory.

In some implementations, the movable door includes an insulated panel.

In some implementations, the sensor includes at least one of a camera, a proximity sensor, a contact sensor, a position switch, a rheostat, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an infrared sensor, a radar sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor.

Further implementations of the present disclosure include a refrigerated display case system, including: a case including an internal volume; and a door system including: a movable door configured to provide access to the internal volume of the case; an electronic display mounted to the movable door; a sensor configured to indicate one or more positions of the movable door; at least one processor in electronic communication with the sensor and the electronic display; and a data store coupled to the at least one processor having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform operations including: receiving, from the sensor, data indicating a position of the movable door; and in response to receiving the data indicating the position of the movable door, adjusting a power setting of the electronic display.

In some implementations, adjusting the power setting of the electronic display includes turning the electronic display off or on.

In some implementations, the refrigerated display case includes a circuitry module including a media player in electronic communication with the electronic display, the media player configured to control media content presented on the electronic display.

Further implementations of the present disclosure include a computer-implemented method of operating a refrigerated display case, including: receiving, by one or more computers and from a sensor, data indicating a position of a movable door configured to provide access to the refrigerated display case; and in response to receiving the data indicating the position of the movable door, adjusting, by the one or more computers, a power setting of an electronic display mounted to the movable door.

Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages.

Implementations of the present disclosure may improve the power efficiency of refrigerated display cases with electronic displays mounted to the display case door. For example, implementations of the present disclosure may provide for reducing power consumption of an electronic display by turning the electronic display off when the door is open to a particular swing angle and/or when the door is open for at least a threshold time duration, such as when the display case is being restocked. Power consumption can also be reduced by turning lights off inside the display case when the door is shut. The lights may shut off after a short delay to ensure sufficient light for any inventory tracking cameras to capture an accurate picture of the products prior to cycling the lights off. Power consumption can also be reduced by turning a door heater off when the door is open.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

show an exemplary refrigerated display case system. The refrigerated display case systemcan be a refrigerator, freezer, or other enclosure defining a temperature-controlled space. In some implementations, refrigerated display case systemis a refrigerated display case. For example, refrigerated display case systemcan be a refrigerated merchandiser in retail establishments such as grocery stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, florist shops, and/or other commercial settings to store and display temperature-sensitive consumer goods (e.g., food products and the like). The refrigerated display case systemcan be used to display products that must be stored at relatively low temperatures and can include shelves, glass doors, glass walls, and/or video displays to permit viewing of the products supported by the shelves. In some implementations, refrigerated display case systemis a refrigerated storage unit used, for example, in warehouses, restaurants, and lounges. Refrigerated display case systemcan be a free standing unit or “built in” unit that forms a part of the building in which refrigerated display case systemis located.

The refrigerated display case systemincludes a container. Containerincludes a top wall, a bottom wall, a left side wall, a right side wall, a rear wall (not shown), and a front portiondefining a temperature-controlled space. The containerencloses an internal volume of the refrigerated display case. The internal volume of the containeris configured to hold an inventory of products.

Front portionincludes an opening into the temperature-controlled space. A thermal framecan be mounted at least partially within the opening. The thermal frameincludes a plurality of perimeter frame segments (i.e., a header or top frame segment, a sill or bottom frame segment, a left side frame segment, and a right side frame segment) forming a closed shape along a perimeter of the opening. In some implementations, the thermal frameincludes one or more mullion frame segmentsdividing the opening into multiple smaller openings. For example,illustrates a three-door assembly with a pair of mullion frame segmentsextending between top frame segmentand bottom frame segmentto divide the opening into three smaller openings. Each of the smaller openings may correspond to a separate display case doorof the three-door assembly. In other implementations, mullion frame segmentsmay be omitted. For example,illustrates a one-door assembly in which thermal frameincludes perimeter frame segments-but not mullion frame segments. In some implementations, thermal frameincludes include top frame segmentand bottom frame segmentwith no side frame segmentsor. In such implementations, thermal framemay include one or more mullion frame segments (e.g., such as mullion frame segmentshown in) depending, for example, on the size of the refrigerated enclosure in which thermal frameis to be installed and the number of doors.

Refrigerated display case systemincludes one or more movable doors. The movable doors are configured to provide access to the internal volume of the refrigerated display case system. In some examples, display case doorsare pivotally mounted on the thermal frameby hinges. In some implementations, the display case doorsare sliding doors configured to open and close by sliding relative to the thermal frame. The example display case doorsillustrated ininclude panel assembliesand handles. Referring to, thermal frameincludes a series of contact plates. Contact platesare attached to a front surface of thermal frameand provide a sealing surface against which display case doorsrest in the closed position. For example, doorsmay include a gasket or other sealing feature around a perimeter of each display case door. The gaskets may employ a flexible bellows and magnet arrangement, which, when the display case doorsare closed, engage contact platesto provide a seal between doorsand thermal frame. The thermal frames provide a thermally conductive path from the frame segments-, for maintaining the temperature of the contact platesat or close to the temperature of the external environment (e.g., the environment outside of the refrigerated display case system) and to aid in preventing condensation from forming on the contact plates. Preventing condensation on the contact plates may provide for a more positive seal between the contact platesand a magnetic gasket on the door, thereby improving the thermal properties of the refrigerated display case system.

is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary arrangement of an electronic display assemblyin a display case dooraccording to implementations of the present disclosure.illustrates an exemplary display case doorthat can be installed in a refrigerated display case such as a refrigerator, a freezer, or other enclosure defining a temperature-controlled space. Display case doorincludes an insulated panel assemblyor transparent panel, a door framesecured to an edge of insulated panel assembly, and mounting blocks. Mounting blocks are coupled to door frame. The display case doorinclude an electronic display assemblythat is coupled to door frameby way of mounting blocks. Electronic display assemblycan be mounted to door frameso as to overlay all or a majority of insulated panel assembly. Electronic display assemblyincludes electronic display. The electronic display assemblycan be mounted in front of an insulated panel assembly (e.g., a glass insulated panel assembly or an opaque foam panel assembly) in a door frame secured to an edge of the insulated panel assembly. The electronic display assemblycan include, e.g., a video display in electronic communication with control circuitry configured to display video and/or images including, but not limited to, images of products contained in a display case, advertisements, and nutritional information. In some examples, the electronic display is configured to present a planogram representing inventory held within the internal volume of the refrigerated display case.

In some implementations, a display case door includes one or more bezels. The bezels can cover all or a portion of the mounting blocks and other components for mounting the electronic display assemblyto the movable door. The bezels can create a recognized UL wireway.

Insulated panel assemblycan include one or more panes of glass. In some implementations, insulated panel assemblyincludes two or more layers of transparent panes bounding a sealed space in between, forming a sealed glass unit (SGU). Door frameextends around and is secured to a peripheral edge of insulated panel assembly. As further described in detail below, door framedefines a channel or tunnel that receives one or more power cables that provide electrical power to the electronic display assembly.

Display case doorcan include a single electronic display or multiple electronic displays. For example, display case doorcan include two or more electronic displays vertically stacked and together covering the insulated panel assembly.

Electronic displaycan include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a field emission display (FED), a plasma display panel (PDP), or an electroluminescent (EL) display. For example, electronic displaycan be a smart television with streaming capabilities for receiving content over a wireless network (e.g., a Wi-Fi network). Electronic displayis generally opaque and, when mounted to the movable display case doorpartially or completely obstructs the view through the insulated panel assembly. In some implementations, electronic displaycan be a custom sized display configured to correspond with dimensions of the display case door. In some implementations, electronic displaycan be a commercial off the shelf (COTS) display.

is a perspective view of the electronic display case doorofwith electronic display assemblymounted in door frame, with bezels installed around the edges of door frame. Display case doorincludes left bezel, top bezel, and right bezel. Each of left bezel, top bezel, and right bezeloverlay and conceal a portion of mounting blocks, left side hinge brackets, right side brackets, hangers, and display supports.

Display case doorincludes handle. Electronic display assemblyincludes circuitry module, top sensor, and handle-side sensor. The outside edges of circuitry moduleare secured to left railand right railof door frame. Left bezeland right bezelcan be attached to their respective rails. Top sensorpasses through an opening or cutout in top bezel. Handle-side sensoris accessible through a corresponding aperture in right bezel.

Hold open bracketis provided on a top edge of display case door. One end of hold open bracketis pivotally coupled to door frame. In service, hold open bracketcan be used to maintain door in a desired open position.

Circuitry modulecan be positioned in the dooritself. For example, circuitry modulecan be positioned in a bottom portion of door frame. Circuitry moduleoverlays a portion of insulated panel assembly. Circuitry modulecan be attached to electronic displaysuch that, with electronic displayreleasably coupled to door frame, circuitry moduleis releasably coupled to door frame. Circuitry modulecan include a media player in electronic communication with electronic displayto control media content presented on electronic display.

In various implementations, door framehas a width and thickness that allows display case doorto be installed and operated in an existing refrigerated display case without the need of retrofitting the display case. Display case doorcan be operated with or without electronic display.

illustrates an exemplary display case dooraccording to an implementation of the present disclosure. In this example, display case door includes quick disconnect plug. Quick disconnect plugis electrically coupled to a power cable, a ground wire, and one or more electrical wirescoupled to electronic displayor to circuitry module. In some implementations, power cableincludes at least a power supply cable, a ground cable, and a detachable ground lug in one wiring assembly with one plug on each end of the wiring assembly. For example, the electronic displaycan have a male component while the door framecan have the female component. The male component and the female component can be referred to as a pin and socket connection. The plug will have all the power, ground and neutral joined at the plug.

The display case doorincludes a transparent panel assemblyand a door framethat receives and secures an electronic displayto cover transparent panel assembly. Electronic displayhas a height that is less than the interior height of frame, leaving a spacebetween the bottom of doorand the bottom edge of the electronic displayto place electrical components with door. For example, display case doorincludes circuitry moduledisposed under the electronic display. Circuitry moduleincludes at least a media playerin electronic communication with electronic display. Media playercontrols media content presented on display. Circuitry modulecan also include a power huband a power converter. Circuitry moduleis releasably coupled to door frame.

Power cablescan provide electrical power to electronic displayand power converter. Power converterreceives alternating current (AC) power from power cableand converts the AC power to direct current (DC) power. For example, power converterconverts 110V AC power to 5V DC power. Power converteris electrically connected to one or more media players. Power converteris arranged inside display case door.

illustrates a top view of a refrigerated display case systemincluding a display casewith a movable doorin the closed position.illustrates a top view of the refrigerated display case system including the display casewith the movable doorin the open position. As shown in, display casecan be opened by applying force to door handle, causing doorto pivot about hinge. In other implementations, display casecan be opened by sliding doorwith respect to the case frame.

The refrigerated display case systemcan include a lighting system including lights,(“lights”). The lightscan be configured to illuminate the internal volume of the display case. In some examples, the lightsare located inside the internal volume of the display case. In some examples, the lightsare located outside of the internal volume of the display case. In some examples, the lightsare attached to the door. In some examples, the lightsare communicably coupled to one or more sensorsand/or one or more cameras. For example, the lightscan receive a signal from the sensors, the cameras, or both, indicating when the dooris open and/or shut. In some examples, the lightsare operated by a control system such as the control systemshown in. The control systemcan operate the lightsin order to turn the lightson, to turn the lightsoff, and to adjust brightness of the lights. In some examples, the control systemcan operate each light independently. For example, the control systemcan operate the lightindependently from the light

The refrigerated display case systemcan include an alarm. The alarmcan be, for example, an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or both. The alarmcan be configured to activate in order to notify personnel of an anomaly. For example, the alarmcan be configured to activate in order to notify personnel that the doorhas been open for greater than a threshold time duration. In some examples, the alarmis communicably coupled to the sensorsand/or the camera. For example, the alarmcan receive a signal from the sensorsindicating when the dooris open and/or shut. In some examples, the alarmis operated by a control system such as the control systemshown in. The control systemcan operate the alarmin order to turn the alarmon and to turn the alarmoff. In some examples, the alarmis located at or near the display case. In some examples, the alarmis located away from the display case. For example, the alarmcan be located in a manager's office or in a storage room of a retail establishment. In some examples, the refrigerated display case system includes multiple alarms. For example, the refrigerated display case system can include an alarm located at or near the display case, and another alarm located in a manager's office.

The refrigerated display case systemcan include a heating system including a heater. The heatercan be configured to provide heat to at least part of the refrigerated display case. In some examples, the heateris an anti-condensation heater that is configured to provide heat to the movable door. In some examples, the heateris communicably coupled to the sensorsand/or the camera. For example, the heatercan receive a signal from the sensor, the camera, or both indicating when the dooris open and/or shut. In some examples, the heateris operated by a control system such as the control systemshown in. The control systemcan operate the heaterin order to turn the heateron, to turn the heateroff, and to adjust a power setting of the heater. For example, the heatermay have adjustable power settings ranging between lower heat output and higher heat output.

The refrigerated display case systemcan include a sensorthat is configured to detect movement of doorfrom a closed position (as depicted in) to an open position (as depicted in). In some implementation, the sensorsgenerates a signal indicating a swing angleof the door.

The sensorscan include, but are not limited to, a contact sensor (e.g., contact switch), a movement sensor (e.g., accelerometer, gyroscope, rheostat), a proximity sensor (e.g., optical sensor, infrared sensor, ultrasonic sensor, capacitive sensor, inductive sensor, magnetic sensor), or any combination thereof. In some examples, the sensorsincludes multiple different types of sensors integrated into a single device.

Although shown as being located at the top corner of the door, the sensorscan be located at other locations. For example, the sensorscan be attached at another position of the door such a bottom corner or at an edge of the dooraway from a corner, or coupled to the hinge. In some examples, the sensorsis attached to a surface of the door. In some examples, the sensorsis attached to the display case. In some examples, the refrigerated display case system includes multiple sensors. The multiple sensors can be co-located or can be located in multiple different locations of the refrigerated display case system.